STOCKTON - During an eventful postseason that has included scoring clutch goals and taking nasty hits, Matt Bergland has maintained his normal, if unorthodox, routine.

He sees no reason to change what's working for him and for the Thunder.

Bergland has two game-winning goals so far in the playoffs for the Thunder, which meets the Alaska Aces at 7 p.m. today at Stockton Arena in the third game of the ECHL Western Conference semifinals. The teams split two games in Anchorage and return to Stockton's ice, where the Thunder has won six consecutive games going back to the regular season and four in a row in the postseason.

Bergland has helped at home and on the road, and no matter where he is, he keeps his pregame rituals.

The 22-year-old from Faribault, Minn., always tried to nap and eat at the same time on game day. If he's at home, this usually means a meal of spaghetti with meat sauce, but the menu isn't as important as the schedule. He puts his right side equipment on before the left - right glove before left glove, right skate before left skate, etc. - and his alarm and the volume on his electrical equipment is set to an odd number.

"It's one of those things where you build a superstition, and if you mess that up you are going to throw your game off," Bergland said. "I think it started in high school. It just makes me feel comfortable and helps me get ready."

Bergland scored in overtime to give the Thunder a Game 1 win in the first round against Las Vegas. After missing the opener against the Aces because of a hit by Wranglers center Judd Blackwater in the first-round finale, Bergland scored the winner as Stockton came back from a two-goal deficit to beat Alaska 5-3 and even the series.

"No one works harder than Matt Bergland," linemate Harrison Reed said. "And it's great to see him rewarded for those efforts."

Thunder coach Matt Thomas said he understands the respect the other players have for Bergland.

"One thing Matt Bergland will always give you is a good, honest effort," Thomas said. "Guys trust him. They know what we'll get from him."

Thomas made a move Wednesday to solidify his injury-plagued blue line when he signed rookie defenseman Landon Oslanski.

The 20-year-old just finished an impressive junior career with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League. Last season, he was the second-highest scorer on the team with 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) in 72 games.

"He plays a hard-nosed game, and he has skill to him," Thomas said. "He's a prospect who's projected to make an impact."

Defenseman Ryan Constant is out with a broken wrist, and forward Cameron Abney is listed as day-to-day with an injury.